Members of the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday condemned the arbitrary arrest of former Juba City Council Mayor Kalisto Ladu by security agents.

Addressing journalists at the state parliament, Peter Wani Elia, Speaker of Central Equatoria State Parliament, said the arrest of Ladu transgressed the principles of justice, freedom of expression, and civil liberties.

"This arrest comes in direct violation of fundamental human rights and democratic principles, as enshrined in the constitution of our nation. Mr Kalisto's detention is particularly alarming as it appears to be a targeted reprisal for exercising his inherent right to express his opinions on matters of public concern in a society that upholds the values of democracy. Freedom of expression must be safeguarded and respected as a cornerstone of civic engagement," Wani said. 

"The Central Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly vehemently condemns this flagrant disregard for the rule of law and the suppression of dissenting voices. The arrest of Mr Kalisto amid an atmosphere of censored freedom of expression sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the progress toward a truly democratic society that we aspire to achieve," he added.

Speaker Wani said the arbitrary arrests and detentions without due process have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law. He stressed that everyone, regardless of political affiliation or beliefs, is entitled to fair and transparent legal proceedings. 

Wani also expressed concerns over land grabbing in the state, revealing that a young man was killed on Tuesday in Lado Payam by armed men in uniform. 

"We are deeply concerned by reports of the brutal killing of an innocent youth in Molubor Boma of Lado Payam in Juba County. This senseless act of violence, reportedly carried out by land grabbers, represents a deliberate disregard for human life and the rule of law. We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and demand that those responsible be swiftly brought to justice," Wani said. 

"The Central Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly calls upon the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into both the arbitrary arrest of Mr Kalisto and the brutal killing of the innocent youth. The perpetrators of these grave violations must be held accountable for their actions, and measures must be implemented to protect human rights and the rule of law in our society," he said. 

The state lawmaker also called for either release or charge of Kalisto in a competent court of law within 24 hours. 

On Sunday, family members said that security agents arrested former Juba Town Mayor Kalisto Ladu on Saturday night.

Kalisto's wife, Juan Andrea, told Radio Tamazuj Sunday morning that Mr Kalisto was arrested and picked up from his home by armed men in uniform and others in plain clothes on Saturday at around 11:57 pm.

Kalisto, an influential, outspoken politician, was removed from his position as mayor of Juba City Council by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony in November 2021 after spending eight months in office.